Reasons to Use Phenol Free Paper
As new and evolving health and environmental considerations occur, alternative products emerge to replace potentially unsafe items. With recent updates regarding the safety and environmental friendliness factors of certain paper products, new versions of these products appear on the consumer market. One example of this product replacement is phenol free paper. Phenol free paper is paper made without bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), or other types of phenol-based chemicals. Here’s some information on phenol free paper and reasons to use it.
What is Phenol Free Paper?
Paper products often contain phenol chemicals, such as BPA and BPS; however, as more studies uncover the potential harmful effects of these chemicals, companies have started manufacturing phenol free paper products. In addition, one state, Washington state, has taken the next step to ban the sale, manufacturing, and distribution of bisphenol thermal paper. Starting on January 1, 2026, bisphenol thermal paper won’t be available in Washington under the Safer Products for Washington law.
How is Phenol Free Paper Made?
Fortunately, manufacturers can make thermal paper without including bisphenols. To make phenol free paper, manufacturers use safer alternatives, such as urea-based or vitamin C-based compounds, in the thermal coating. Phenol free thermal paper is available for many different types of point-of-sale (POS) receipts, which provides businesses with other paper alternatives, which is especially useful in Washington state with the phenol-containing thermal paper ban set to take place.
Reasons to Use Paper Without Phenol
Now that you know what phenol free paper is and how it’s made, here are some top reasons to use this bisphenol chemical alternative:
Avoid Exposure to Risky Chemicals
One of the main reasons to use paper products without phenol is to avoid exposure to risky bisphenol chemicals. Bisphenols can interfere with the body’s hormonal balance as it mimics estrogen and has been linked to the risk increase related to certain cancers and types of metabolic disorders. In addition, since cashiers and servers often come into regular contact with receipt paper, the chemicals may absorb into their skin over time.
Provides Environmentally-Friendly Aspects
There are quite a few environmentally-friendly reasons to use phenol free paper products, including a cleaner type of manufacturing, easier recycling qualities, and reducing waste. When companies manufacture phenol free paper they utilize cleaner production methods by not using bisphenol chemicals. This type of paper is also easier to recycle because it doesn’t contain the chemicals that regular paper does. Also, phenol free paper keeps the images on it for a long time, sometimes up to ten years, so this means you won’t have to make frequent copies of the original, thereby reducing waste.
Comply with Rules and Regulations
As more details emerge regarding the potential dangers associated with paper that contains bisphenols, so do legal rules and regulations regarding the use, manufacture, and sale of paper with BPA and BPS. Case in point is the recent Washington law that was mentioned above. Since new legislation and regulations may be enacted across the country in the years that follow, it’s a good idea to think ahead and start using phenol free paper as soon as possible.
Good Performance Qualities and Printer Compatibility
Phenol free paper also works well with standard thermal printers, so it’s not necessary to buy a new printer when switching to phenol free paper. The phenol free paper is also beneficial for the POS printers as it can help to prevent the systems from overheating.
Find All of Your Phenol Free Paper Products at Paper Planet
Don’t wait until you have to change your paper product supply due to bisphenol-related legislation and regulations! Obtain the many benefits of phenol free thermal paper and other paper products and place your order today with Paper Planet. Our team will help you find the right type of phenol free thermal paper and deliver the products directly to your door.
View the catalog of Paper Planet products, including BPA-free and BPS-free thermal paper, and order your products today!
FAQs
Does phenol free paper print out as well as paper with bisphenols?
Absolutely! Phenol free paper provides clear, easy-to-read copies every time.
Do I have to get a new POS system to accommodate phenol free paper?
Not at all! Your current POS system and thermal paper copier should be able to accommodate phenol free paper the same way it accepts phenol-containing paper.
Is phenol free paper good for the environment?
Yes. Phenol free paper is good for the environment as it doesn’t have the bisphenol chemicals that ordinary paper contains.